Sequester could close several local airport towers

With the impending sequestration cutting the federal budget by five percent across the board, many services we use could see some drastic changes.

Experts say it's just too early to tell exactly what will happen and how bad it will be but there's no doubt it will affect your travel plans.

The Federal Aviation Administration would have to cut $600 million from its budget.

They will start by closing 100 air traffic control centers, including Page Field, Punta Gorda, and Naples Municipal.

The FAA will also furlough the majority of its employees once every two weeks.

They say with these cuts, fewer planes will be able to fly, causing delays and cancellations. And with less staff, longer lines will build up at airport security.

According to the FAA, delays at larger airports like Chicago-O'Hare, could average about 90 minutes, which is something that would trickle down to smaller airports like Southwest Florida International.

The FAA isn't expected to start implementing the changes until April, giving Washington more time to figure out a solution.